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Pallas, The Cross and the Crucible (Inside Out) 2001
For those who don't know, Pallas were quite well-regarded neo-prog in
the 80's, best known for their concept album The Sentinel. After
another album, they took a 13-year hiatus and released Beat the Drum.
The Cross and the Crucible was released two years later, and it sounds
as full of life as any up-and-coming prog band. While I can't speak for their
past work, having only a passing familiarity with it, I have to say that this
album offers few hints in the way of Pallas' age.
That said, The Cross and the Crucible is no great innovative leap
forward in neo-prog concept albums (although I suppose by its very nature
neo-prog shouldn't be to innovative). However, Pallas do a remarkably good
job at providing the rocking guitar riffs, enchanting atmosphere, majestic
themes, extended instrumental sections, and powerful conceptual unity that
neo-proggers crave.
The Cross and the Crucible is, of course, a concept album, with
one of the better concepts I've heard - the long battle between science and
religion (sorry, no Tolkien-esque fantasy imagery this time around - which is
fine by me). The boys in Pallas seem to place their allegiance firmly in the
science camp, so don't expect a balanced view (which might make and even more
interesting concept album). Even so, I think the album will provide food for
thought for either side of the debate.
On to the music! As I said, the music is well-done but typical neo-prog.
There are many sections of beautiful ambient keyboard and blistering guitar
leads, but Pallas also have a pronounced hard rock influence that makes them
seem a little heavier than, say, Marillion, and increases the band's dynamic
range. In a few places, the band tints their music with Eastern influences
and, in "For the Greater Glory" there's a pretty cool tribal breakdown. I'd
point out track highlights, but really, all the tracks are quite memorable -
even for someone like me who doesn't normally get excited about this kind of
music.
Bottom line: A very good neo-prog album. It charmed a guy like me who's
usually unenthusiastic about such releases. ~Jon Murphree~
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